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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing

I really wanted a good caesar the other day; and I don't mean the cocktail.

Our family has this legacy. This amazing and delicious legacy. A caesar dressing recipe.

The dressing recipe has been around for as long as I can remember. There are also numerous stories about the dressing from before I was even a twinkle in my parents' eyes.

The recipe was so fantastical that it was actually framed. And hanging in our kitchen. Yeah.

It's everything you would want in a good caesar dressing really: delicious, tangy, creamy, just the right hint of garlic... it's the kind of dressing you want to eat with a spoon. And it's simple; it only has six ingredients.

Now, how the heck do I recreate such deliciousness without compromising the special and unique flavor? I was skeptical, as I began racking my brain for flavor siblings.

I was even more skeptical as I started tossing things into the blender, making sure to write it all down as I went, in case I actually came up with something; however, surely any vegan version of this infamous dressing would fall short.

Never underestimate a girl with a craving... I did it. And I was kind of surprised. Pleasantly surprised. And I want to make this dressing everyday and eat it with a spoon. And I just might.

Do:
Combine all ingredients into a blender. Blend on high until everything is chopped up and the olive oil is emulsified.

Taste. Add more salt and pepper as desired.

Serve:
Arrange romaine depending on how you chose to chop it. If you cut it lengthwise, creating a 'knife and fork' salad, arrange on a plate, top with cherry tomatoes and a healthy drizzle of the dressing. Finish with garlic croutons, if you choose.

You can also top with vegan parmesan if you choose, however I find the parmesan 'powder' to be categorically nauseating.

If you chose to chop your romaine, put a one or two portion size in a large bowl along with about 10 cherry halves. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Transfer to individual salad bowls or plates and finish with garlic croutons and 'cheese' if you like.

The dressing is so good. It makes a perfect accompaniment to dinner, or just add your protein of choice and make it dinner itself. You will love the tangy, garlicky flavor along with the smooth, creamy texture.